Switchgrass leaching requirements for solid-state fermentation by Acidothermus cellulolyticus.

Growth of Acidothermus cellulolyticus in solid-state fermentation and its required growth conditions were investigated in this study. Extraction of switchgrass was required for growth. Under the experimental conditions, extraction ratio had the most significant effect on the growth of A. cellulolyticus. Heat treatment (in the form of autoclaving) of switchgrass did not have a significant effect on the growth rate; however, longer heat treatment times had a negative effect on the total growth. Moisture content adjustment had no effect on the release of inhibitors into extracts. Our results showed that leaching at a minimum 40:1 (gram water: gram dry biomass) removed inhibitory compound(s) from switchgrass. Upon extraction A. cellulolyticus colonized switchgrass in solid fermentation without exogenous addition of carbon and nitrogen sources. It is the first demonstration of growth of A. cellulolyticus in solid fermentation. Copyright 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers